News
Maithri told SLFP not to cause any embarrassment to govt. – Amaraweera
By Ifham Nizam
Former President Maithripala Sirisena did not make any statement during or after the two meetings of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) that he would leave the government when the time became opportune, a senior party member said.
Fielding questions at a media briefing held at the Environment Ministry, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said referring to the statement attributed to former President and Chairman of the SLFP on quitting the government if necessary at a meeting in Puttalam, was not clear.
Minister said: “I also saw the news. It was mentioned at a meeting held in Puttalam that such a statement had been made. But before that I attended both meetings in Galle and Ratnapura, where the former President also participated. But I did not attend the Puttalam meeting. However, at the two meetings I attended, the former President did not comment on it.
However, he said that he didn’t know whether such a thing was said in Puttalam.
“Also, our party had a weekly group discussion even yesterday. Even there the former President did not express such an idea. He told us yesterday that the SLFP should not take any decision that would embarrass the government and strengthen the Opposition,”
Amaraweera said that although they had many issues that needed to be resolved, they could be resolved through discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
“During the recent discussion with the President, he talked with us for nearly two and a half hours. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party is the second largest party in the ruling coalition. Our party is the only party with organisational strength in every district throughout the country. We have made a tremendous contribution to ensuring the stability of this government. Therefore, we have no intention of leaving the government, the Minister said.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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